European Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood says he is feeling 'pretty strong' as he prepares to play his first round since pulling out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational seven weeks ago.

He also revealed that he has given up drink for four weeks, and has lost nearly a stone in weight, as he bids to be at his best for the bi-annual showdown with the Americans at Celtic Manor in a fortnight.

The 37-year-old has been sidelined since the event at Turning Stone in Ohio after rupturing his calf muscle and there had been concerns that he would not be fit in time for the match.

Back in the swing of it: Lee Westwood

But the Englishman, the world No 3, said: 'I haven't had any pain for three weeks. I've made great progress. I'm pretty strong at the moment. I'd be fine playing in all five matches (in the Ryder Cup).

Memories are made of this: Westwood with Nick Faldo at the 1997 Ryder Cup

'I've been working with my coach, Pete Cowen, and he says I'm swinging it better than I was before.'

Westwood added that he has been working hard on his fitness under trainer Steven McGregor in an effort to ensure he is in tip-top shape for the match.

'I haven't had a drink in four weeks and have lost 12lbs since the Open,' he said.

After playing a few rounds this week Westwood is set to head to Scotland to play in a charity event on Monday and Tuesday, and then plans to play two rounds late next week.

'I just want to replicate the Ryder Cup with two matches in one day,' he said.

Westwood has played in the last six Ryder Cups, making his debut at Valderrama in 1997. He has a superb record in the competition, and was undefeated in 2004 and 2006.